Just as quick as the NFL free agency period began in full force two weeks ago, it has come to a screaching halt. Of course there has been some news here and there, but the league and all of us who follow it are starting to focus more on the draft set to take place exactly a month from today.
With that in mind, lets take a look at some of the news and rumors making waves around the NFL right now.
Brent Grimes Could be Inching Closer to Signing
The Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns seem to be the two teams most interested in the talented young corner, who is coming off a serious Achilles injury. Recent reports suggest that Miami could be Grimes' next destination. This seems to make a lot of sense considering it lost Sean Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency and is really lacking talent in the defensive secondary. If Grimes does return to form, he will be the best under-the-radar signing of the entire offseason. After all, he was performing at a Pro Bowl level prior to his injury.
Osi Umenyiora Signs with the Atlanta Falcons
In what has to be considered more of a lateral move, Atlanta has replaced John Abraham with Umenyiora at defensive end. After being highly touted on the trade market a couple seasons ago, Osi really didn't draw a ton of interest on the open market this year. A lot of this has to do with the lack of a market for pass rushers, but he didn't really do himself many favors over the last two seasons. Umenyiora, who struggles a great deal against the run, has recorded just 15 sacks since the start of 2011. While that may seem decent in terms of production, it wasn't worth what the New York Giants were paying him. Umenyiora received a two-year deal with a bit over $8 million.
Oakland Raiders Interested in Matt Flynn
In what has to be considered a surprising turn of events, Oakland might have its targets set on the current Seattle Seahawks' backup quarterback. Flynn, who only has two career NFL start under his belt, is the best available quarterback on the market right now. In fact, he does translate into being a viable starter. The issue here, however, is that Oakland still has Carson Palmer under contract, who has indicated he is against restructuring.
This seems to indicate that Palmer may end up being released or traded. On the other hand, many have come to the conclusion that Terrelle Pryor would be given a chance should Palmer be shown the door. To make matters more interesting, Raiders' general manager Reggie McKenzie has stated multiple times that he will no longer utilize the philosophy of trading picks for veterans; which would be required in order to acquire Flynn. Other teams are interested, including the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.
Vince Young Impresses at UT Pro Day
While Young hasn't played a regular season snap since he was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles' 2011 "Dream Team," he seems to be generating interest from certain NFL teams. The former Top-10 pick worked out at Texas' Pro Day in Austin on Monday and impressed scouts who were on hand. The Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills; among others were in attendance. Young will not be competing for a starting job anywhere, but as many pointed out over the last two days; he has to be better than at least a couple of the 64 quarterbacks nearly guaranteed to make rosters in 2013. In my humble opinion, and my eDraft Radio co-host Nick Slegel disagrees, I think Young fits well with San Francisco under Colin Kaepernick. At the very least, he is a better option than Pat White. Oakland doesn't seem to make a whole heck of a lot of sense to me. Instead, a team like New Orleans could show some interest moving forward.
Colt McCoy to be Traded or Released
It seems that we are entering Groundhog Day once again. Last season, around draft time, the Cleveland Browns had put McCoy on the trade block. In fact, he was nearly traded to the Green Bay Packers on draft day. While I still believe that the former third-round pick has a bright future ahead of himself, at least as a backup, I highly doubt there is going to be much value on the trade market for him. Teams know that Cleveland will have to part ways with McCoy after it signed Jason Campbell on Tuesday. As it is, I hope McCoy goes to the right situation and sits behind a decent starter for a stable organization. Again, the Saints and 49ers make some sense here.
Houston Texans Sign Greg Jones
In one of the better under-the-radar moves of the offseason, Houston has agreed to a short-term contract with former Jacksonville Jaguars fullback Greg Jones. The lead blocker has opened up holes for Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor in Jacksonville over the last nine seasons. He is one of the best blocking fullbacks in the league and will do wonders for Arian Foster in Houston. Great signing here.
Baltimore Ravens Sign Michael Huff
Yet another great move by Ravens' general manager Ozzie Newsome. After committing highway robbery by bringing Elvis Dumervil in, Baltimore made another great move on Wednesday. It inked Huff, one of the better cover safeties in the NFL, to a team-friend three-year, $6 million deal. Huff actually represents somewhat of an upgrade over Ed Reed in coverage. This also comes on the heels of signing Chris Canty and Marcus Spears to team-friendly deals. At least Baltimore is staying proactive in its approach after losing a multitude of free agents earlier in the league year.
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